Easy Solutions for Unblocking Shower Drains

Unfortunately, shower drains are subject to easy blockages due to hair, soap and other dirt and debris that make their way down. Thankfully, the majority of clogged shower drain problems can be solved by using simple and straightforward methods.

Boiling Water

Often, all that is needed to unblock a shower drain is boiling water, as it can break down any soap or grease debris that has created a clog. If the blockage is serious or is down to matted strands of hair, boiling water alone may not work. However, it could clear some of the blockage and work better when used in conjunction with other methods.

Try a Plunger

The success of a plunger upon a blockage is determined by several things including where the clog sits and how the drain is designed. If a blockage is deep and made up of hair, a plunger is unlikely to help. However, for smaller blockages that need a quick and easy eradication, a plunger is a quick, easy and cost-effective method that’s well worth a try.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar is a natural alternative to shop-bought chemicals and is consistently used to unblock drains and pipes. Once a cup of baking soda has been poured and left down the drain for a few minutes, a cup of vinegar should be poured down. Leave it a couple of hours, and the mixture will hopefully dissolve any hefty clogs. Finish up by pouring boiling water down the drain.

Use Hands, a Hook or a Snake

Sometimes a clog will only be so deep that the blockage can be pulled out by hand. Remove drain covers and look inside to locate the clog. If the clog is within reach, pull it out with your hands. If not, you could try fishing it out with a piece of wire shaped into a hook. Plumbers snakes are available in most DIY stores and can be used to reach clogs that are further down.

Call in the Professionals

You may not be able to determine exactly what’s wrong with your drain, but you can be rest assured that the professionals will. Whether you’re drains need unblocking, repairing or a CCTV survey, the team at Happy Drains can help.